AURORA'S POV The plants here were vibrant, almost unnatural during this time of the year. I wondered if perhaps, long ago, a nature wielder had tended this place.I inhaled deeply, when suddenly,A soft cry drifted through the garden, so faint I almost thought I imagined it.I paused mid-step, my brows pulled together as I listened. The sound came again, quieter this time, shaky and broken. Definitely not from an animal. It carried the unmistakable waver of a child holding back sobs.My stomach tightened.I turned toward the sound, moving slowly through the hedges and shadowed trees until it led me to a small figure curled at the base of a thick, old trunk. He looked so small in comparison, knees pulled to his chest, face buried in his arms.A little boy.His hair was dark and messy, sticking to his damp cheeks. His shoulders trembled with each quiet sniffle.My heart clenched. Something about the sight hit far too close to the core of me, pulling up memories I tried not to visit.I
Last Updated : 2025-12-06 Read more